WESTLAKE VILLAGE — The Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD) is the presenting sponsor of the 13th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars, a red-carpet evening to raise funds for ACT Today!, the nation’s leading autism nonprofit organization providing help and support to children with autism and their families. The event is Sunday, October 7 at the Four Seasons Westlake Village (2 Dole Dr., Westlake Village).
CARD, with offices in 208 locations in 32 states, offers comprehensive and cutting-edge curricula that can be tailored to the specific needs of individuals with autism from birth to 21 years of age. These programs are designed help children learn to communicate, develop friendships and lead happy, healthy lives.
“We are truly grateful to have CARD, one of the worldwide leaders in autism care and treatment, as our presenting sponsor,” says Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, executive director of ACT Today!
Denim, Diamonds & Stars includes red-carpet arrivals, cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, live entertainment, gourmet dinner catered by Four Seasons’ award-winning chefs, celebrity presenters and special tributes to 2018 ACT Today! honorees.
This year’s honorees are Richard Schiff, Emmy-winning actor/producer/director and currently in “The Good Doctor” (ACTivist Award), Joanne Lara, executive director of Autism Works Now! (Golden Cowgirl Award) and Rose van Wier Hein, founder/CEO of Golden Heart Ranch (Visionary Award). Emceeing the event is Nick Belardo.
Since it began in 2005, ACT Today! has helped more than 1,400 families around the county that have children with autism and has distributed over $1.65 million in grants. Denim, Diamonds & Stars is its annual fundraiser.
Additional sponsors include Sony Pictures Entertainment; Tolman & Wiker Insurance Services; Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC, LLC; AmWINS Group; Latham & Watkins; Compass; Remedy Skin + Body; Wen by Chaz Dean and Westlake Magazine.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.denimanddiamondsforautism.net